Over 60 monkey bite cases are reported every month by the state-run Rippon Hospital alone.

In localities like Jakhu, Tutikandi, Nabha, Phagli, Kaithu, Summer Hill, Tutu, Boileauganj, Chotta Shimla and Sanjauli, residents have been forced to literally convert their houses into jails by erecting iron grills on doors and windows to block the monkey intrusions.

The minister said allowing export of monkeys was not within the purview of the state government. The Central government banned the export in 1978.

Wildlife officials say a decade ago monkeys were trapped from Shimla and released in jungles. It was the best method for tackling the monkey menace.